Gut bacteria in UK's poorest areas are less diverse, study finds

A UK study of 1,390 female twins reported that people living in more deprived areas had reduced gut microbiome diversity, and identified 12 bacterial species linked to deprivation.

A UK research team from King's College London and the University of Nottingham analysed gut samples from 1,390 female twins and compared them with area-level deprivation measured by the Townsend Deprivation Index. The study found reduced diversity in the gut microbiome among people living in more deprived areas. Researchers reported 12 bacterial species linked to greater deprivation and noted two species that were also associated with higher rates of anxiety and diabetes. The team suggested these changes could be one biological pathway connecting social disadvantage and poorer physical and mental health. What the study found: - The analysis used gut samples from 1,390 female twins and linked those data to residential postcodes and the Townsend Deprivation Index. - People living in more deprived areas showed reduced gut microbiome diversity compared with those in less deprived areas. - Twelve bacterial species were associated with greater deprivation. - Two species, Lawsonibacter and Intestinimonas massiliensis, were reported as negatively associated with deprivation and with higher rates of anxiety and diabetes. - The researchers noted that several of the affected bacteria are producers of butyrate, a compound involved in energy balance and blood sugar regulation. Summary: The study suggests a possible biological pathway by which area-level social disadvantage may become linked to physical and mental health through changes in the gut microbiome. The researchers reported these findings as a basis for further research and for exploring potential approaches to support gut health in disadvantaged communities. Undetermined at this time.